The Virtues of Aristotelian Friendship: Exploring Moral Character, Intimacy, and Mutual Fulfillment

Abstract

Instructor’s Name Date Aristotle perceives friendship as a moral virtue since it manifests courage, generosity, and selflessness which are rare. It is connected to the moral character of a man. A friend is a person you can talk to about anything and sharing mutual concerns on wellbeing. It is grounded on concern about welfare and involves some form of intimacy. Friendship builds happiness and fulfillment. Aristotle argues that friendship involves utterly devoting oneself to another person since moral virtue involves self-sacrifice in expectation of honor and virtuous people are both good for each other and good in themselves (Pangle, 2002). He believes that friends pursue virtue together and guarding what might destroy their virtue. Aristotle believes that friendships have moral duties; an obligation that we have to support and aid each other which makes the relationship virtuous. He believes that friends help each other pursue goodness in pursuit of virtue. Aristotle acknowledges that for a perfect friendship individuals have to be of the same level. He asserts that it is “made up of men who are good and alike in virtue; for each alike wish well to each other… they are good in themselves.” (Ryding, 2012). Perfect friendship share perceptions and goals of life. The friendship finds meaning when friends mutually benefit from each other deriving pleasure from the same source. Perfect friendship is rare. Friends have to come from the same level and mostly defined by education level, finance, luck, and decency. It is difficult for friends to gel when they do not resonate together and do not share common goals, values, and beliefs. Aristotle believes that “A friend to all is a friend to none”. This relates that friendship is an art and one has to master it...